'Rivalry era' alumni game on tap for Red Wings, Avalanche
While the old adage of time heals all wounds is a pleasant thought, that may not be the case when members of the Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche renew acquaintances in February.
No, we're not talking about the regular-season clash that pits the teams as part of the league's Stadium Series on Feb. 17. The real fireworks may explode the night before in the alumni game, which features representatives who competed during the rivalry's heyday (1996-2002).
"We have had an outstanding rivalry with the Red Wings during those years," Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said. "We are looking forward to experiencing this grand outdoor setting and a special weekend of hockey in Denver."
Claude Lemieux's check from behind on Kris Draper ignited it all during a 1996 playoff game, leading to on-ice fights and brawls between the teams for several years. While Lemieux will not be in attendance in February, Colorado will send Hall of Famers Peter Forsberg, Rob Blake, Sakic and Patrick Roy onto the ice - with the latter already on record saying that he isn't wishing to revisit his goaltender bout with Chris Osgood.
Detroit will counter with a few Hall of Famers of its own, including Brendan Shanahan, Igor Larionov and Chris Chelios, in addition to seven-time Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom.
(h/t Colorado Avalanche)
